UP housing and development board (UPHDB) has started the process to demolish 44 sealed properties in the Shastri Nagar Residential Scheme No. 7, a residential and commercial area in Meerut. This comes in compliance with a Supreme Court order dated July 14.Deputy housing commissioner Anil Kumar told PTI that 859 properties are classified as illegal construction as per the Supreme Court’s order, including 44 sealed shops in the Central Market, along with approximately 350 houses belonging to the economically weaker section (EWS) and 150-200 low-income group residences.Singh added that the board has completed a survey of these properties, and a 15-day notice will be issued to the respective property owners within the next few days. If they do not comply, the Board will carry out their demolition and recover the costs from them.“First, the action against the 44 sealed shops will be completed. Subsequently, a drive will be conducted in the other parts of the city in accordance with the top court’s order,” Singh said.According to Singh, the recent Supreme Court order also directed the officials to identify and take action against properties being used for commercial purposes in the other residential areas of the city.For buildings with multiple owners, a revenue department team conducted measurements to avoid disputes and accurately assess the illegal construction in each, he added.Many traders reportedly raised objections against the prospect of action being taken without prior notice. However, Singh stated that they had already been informed of the survey at a meeting, and notices will be issued soon to the concerned parties in accordance with the rules before any demolition takes place.The next hearing on the matter in the Supreme Court is scheduled for September 21.
Who will face action?
Owners who have illegal construction or deviated from the sanctioned plans of their buildings will be asked to demolish that part themselves within 15 days of receiving the notice, or will face action, officials said.Action will also be taken against those who are carrying commercial activities in residential buildings, and lack approved building plans will face action.According to the officials, setback area is the legally mandated open space that must be left empty between a building’s outer walls and the physical boundaries of the plot.Alok Som, owner of a 43-year-old textile shop in the area, told PTI that his family’s livelihood depends on it. He said his family includes five members, including his ailing in-laws, and their financial situation is becoming increasingly precarious due to the prolonged closure of the business as expenses such as household costs, medicines and children’s education continue to mount.“If action is taken in this manner, businesses established over years and the livelihoods of thousands of families will face a severe crisis,” Som said.He added that an alternative place will not solve their problems as the business, customer base, and social connections built over years cannot be regained.Sanjay Verma, a goldsmith whose shop has been in the area since 1985, said that since the closure of his shop the sole source of income has ceased to exist. He appealed to the government to find a practical solution for the affected traders.Saree merchant Manoj Garg described the order as distressing and painful, noting that businesses built through 35-40 years of hard work are being jeopardised, creating a livelihood crisis for the traders.State convenor of the BJP’s trade cell Vineet Agarwal Sharda has informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Yogi Adityanath about the plight of the affected traders in a letter.Requesting a meeting with both the leaders, he urged that a humane solution be found – one that respects the Supreme Court’s order, while also safeguarding the livelihoods of thousands of small traders and their families.
